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Intel GMA 4-Series Support On Linux

06-17-2008, 10:40 PM

Phoronix: Intel GMA 4-Series Support On Linux

Committed this afternoon to the xf86-video-intel driver development branch at FreeDesktop.org is support for Intel's GMA 4-Series Chipsets. The 4-Series IGPs (namely the Intel X4500) are brand new and is designed to be three times faster than the current Intel GMA X3100...

Comment

What does '3 times faster' than the Intel X3100 chips mean? What level would that be?

I'm asking because I'm wondering if I should hold off buying a laptop and wait for this new generation Montevina and the Intel X4500 graphics. I have just discovered that Nvidia has a major heating problem with their chips (namely, 8400M and 8600M) which is offered in Dell XPS and many HP systems. Those are two laptop companies I was looking into and if the Nvidia video chips in there are problems, I need to look at either Intel X3100 or video chips with ATI in them.

Should I wait? How much will the new generation of laptops cost? If I wait a month, will there be a new type of thin/light laptop similar to the Dell XPS M1330 but with the Centrino 2 Montevina cpu and X4500 graphics?

Comment

If it's feasible for you, I'd definitely recommend going with intel or amd for your next gpu, due to the whole FOSS drivers/specs thing for one, and yes-- I have had problems with my geforce 8400m gs. I applied a bios update, and it's been stable since, but I haven't stress tested it yet-- I should do that soon. Good old nexuiz

Also, If I recall correctly, the X4500 is /already/ brilliantly supported under Ubuntu Intrepid and such.
I hope centrino 2 isn't expensive just because it's new, I'd certainly go with it-- intel is amazing with all their drivers, none of this broadcom wireless or creative sound garbage.